Things to Do in Florence

A former grain market turned church with stunning Gothic tabernacle. The exterior has 13 statues by Donatello, Ghiberti, and other masters - all replicas now, but still impressive.

🕐 Church: Daily 8am-6pm. Museum: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

💡 Check the upstairs museum (€6) for the originals. The church itself is free and usually empty, so you can sit in peace - a rarity in central Florence.

A two-floor food market. The ground floor is a traditional market with fresh produce, cheese, and meat. Upstairs is a modern food hall with affordable eats.

🕐 Ground floor: Mon-Sat 7am-2pm. Upper floor: Daily 10am-12am

💡 Skip the expensive upstairs pasta. Head to the ground floor's Nerbone for a €5 tripe sandwich or €4 bowl of lampredotto - a true Florentine lunch.

A broad terrace with one of the best panoramic views of Florence, especially at sunset. It's a 20-minute uphill walk from the centre, or take bus 12.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Go just before sunset to see the city glow. Stay until the lights come on - it's far less crowded than during the day and the Duomo looks spectacular.

A Romanesque basilica perched above Piazzale Michelangelo with incredible mosaic work, marble floor, and a peaceful cloister. The 12th-century zodiac marble inlay floor is worth the climb.

🕐 Church: Daily 8am-7pm (winter until 6pm). Cloister: closed Mon

💡 Arrive at 5.15pm weekdays in summer to hear the monks sing Gregorian chant during vespers. It's a hauntingly beautiful experience, and free.

A small chapel in the Santa Maria del Carmine church containing Masaccio's frescoes that revolutionised Renaissance painting. Often compared to a Sistine Chapel prequel.

🕐 Mon: closed. Tue-Sun: 10am-5pm. Last entry 4.30pm

💡 Book ahead online (€6) - they limit visitors to 30 per 15-minute slot. If sold out, show up at opening and ask about returned tickets.